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About this Title:

One of the plays in the 1916 Oxford University Press edition of all of Shakespeare’s plays and poems.

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The text is in the public domain.

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This material is put online to further the educational goals of Liberty Fund, Inc. Unless otherwise stated in the Copyright Information section above, this material may be used freely for educational and academic purposes. It may not be used in any way for profit.

Scene.—During a great part of the Play, at Rome; afterwards, Sardis and near Philippi.

ACT I.

Scene I.—: Rome. A Street.

EnterFlavius, Marullus,and certain Commoners.

Flav.

Hence! home, you idle creatures, get you home:

Is this a holiday? What! know you not,

Being mechanical, you ought not walk

Upon a labouring day without the signCraig1916: 4

Of your profession? Speak, what trade art thou?

First Com.

Why, sir, a carpenter.

Mar.

Where is thy leather apron, and thy rule?

What dost thou with thy best apparel on?Craig1916: 8

You, sir, what trade are you?

Second Com.

Truly, sir, in respect of a fine workman, I am but, as you would say, a cobbler.

Mar.

But what trade art thou? Answer me directly.Craig1916: 12

Sec. Com.

A trade, sir, that, I hope, I may use with a safe conscience; which is, indeed, sir, a mender of bad soles.

Mar.

What trade, thou knave? thou naughty knave, what trade?Craig1916: 16

Sec. Com.

Nay, I beseech you, sir, be not out with me: yet, if you be out, sir, I can mend you.

Mar.

What meanest thou by that? Mend me, thou saucy fellow!Craig1916: 20

Sec. Com.

Why, sir, cobble you.

Flav.

Thou art a cobbler, art thou?

Sec. Com.

Truly, sir, all that I live by is with the awl: I meddle with no tradesman’s matters, nor women’s matters, but with awl. I am, indeed, sir, a surgeon to old shoes; when they are in great danger, I recover them. As proper men as ever trod upon neat’s leather have gone upon my handiwork.Craig1916: 29

Flav.

But wherefore art not in thy shop to-day?

Why dost thou lead these men about the streets?

Sec. Com.

Truly, sir, to wear out their shoes, to get myself into more work. But, indeed, sir, we make holiday to see Cæsar and to rejoice in his triumph.

Mar.

Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home?Craig1916: 36

What tributaries follow him to Rome

To grace in captive bonds his chariot wheels?

You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things!

O you hard hearts, you cruel men of Rome,Craig1916: 40

Knew you not Pompey? Many a time and oft

Have you climb’d up to walls and battlements,

To towers and windows, yea, to chimney-tops,

Your infants in your arms, and there have sat

The livelong day, with patient expectation,Craig1916: 45

To see great Pompey pass the streets of Rome:

And when you saw his chariot but appear,

Have you not made a universal shout,Craig1916: 48

Edition: current; Page: [949]

That Tiber trembled underneath her banks,

To hear the replication of your sounds

Made in her concave shores?

And do you now put on your best attire?Craig1916: 52

And do you now cull out a holiday?

And do you now strew flowers in his way,

That comes in triumph over Pompey’s blood?

Be gone!Craig1916: 56

Run to your houses, fall upon your knees,

Pray to the gods to intermit the plague

That needs must light on this ingratitude.

Flav.

Go, go, good countrymen, and, for this faultCraig1916: 60

Assemble all the poor men of your sort;

Draw them to Tiber banks, and weep your tears

Into the channel, till the lowest stream

Do kiss the most exalted shores of all.Craig1916: 64

[Exeunt all the Commoners.

See whe’r their basest metal be not mov’d;

They vanish tongue-tied in their guiltiness.

Go you down that way towards the Capitol;

This way will I. Disrobe the imagesCraig1916: 68

If you do find them deck’d with ceremonies.

Mar.

May we do so?

You know it is the feast of Lupercal.

Flav.

It is no matter; let no imagesCraig1916: 72

Be hung with Cæsar’s trophies. I’ll about

And drive away the vulgar from the streets:

So do you too where you perceive them thick.

These growing feathers pluck’d from Cæsar’s wingCraig1916: 76

Will make him fly an ordinary pitch,

Who else would soar above the view of men

And keep us all in servile fearfulness.

[Exeunt.

Scene II.—: The Same. A Public Place.

Enter, in procession, with music,Cæsar; Antony,for the course;Calphurnia, Portia, Decius, Cicero, Brutus, Cassius,andCasca;a great crowd following, among them a Soothsayer.

Cæs.

Calphurnia!

Casca.

Peace, ho! Cæsar speaks.

[Music ceases.

Cæs.

Calphurnia!

Cal.

Here, my lord.

Cæs.

Stand you directly in Antonius’ way

When he doth run his course. Antonius!Craig1916: 4

Ant.

Cæsar, my lord.

Cæs.

Forget not, in your speed, Antonius,

To touch Calphurnia; for our elders say,

The barren, touched in this holy chase,Craig1916: 8

Shake off their sterile curse.

Ant.

I shall remember:

When Cæsar says ‘Do this,’ it is perform’d.

Cæs.

Set on; and leave no ceremony out.

[Music.

Sooth.

Cæsar!Craig1916: 12

Cæs.

Ha! Who calls?

Casca.

Bid every noise be still: peace yet again!

[Music ceases.

Cæs.

Who is it in the press that calls on me?

I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music,Craig1916: 16

Cry ‘Cæsar.’ Speak; Cæsar is turn’d to hear.

Sooth.

Beware the ides of March.

Cæs.

What man is that?

Bru.

A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.

Cæs.

Set him before me; let me see his face.

Cas.

Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Cæsar.Craig1916: 21

Cæs.

What sayst thou to me now? Speak once again.

Sooth.

Beware the ides of March.

Cæs.

He is a dreamer; let us leave him: pass.

[Sennet. Exeunt all butBrutusandCassius.

Cas.

Will you go see the order of the course?

Bru.

Not I.

Cas.

I pray you, do.

Bru.

I am not gamesome: I do lack some partCraig1916: 28

Of that quick spirit that is in Antony.

Let me not hinder, Cassius, your desires;

I’ll leave you.

Cas.

Brutus, I do observe you now of late:Craig1916: 32

I have not from your eyes that gentleness

And show of love as I was wont to have:

You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand

Over your friend that loves you.

Bru.

Cassius,Craig1916: 36

Be not deceiv’d: if I have veil’d my look,

I turn the trouble of my countenance

Merely upon myself. Vexed I am

Of late with passions of some difference,Craig1916: 40

Conceptions only proper to myself,

Which give some soil perhaps to my behaviours;

But let not therefore my good friends be griev’d,—

Among which number, Cassius, be you one,—Craig1916: 44

Nor construe any further my neglect,

Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war,

Forgets the shows of love to other men.

Cas.

Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion;Craig1916: 48

By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried

Thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations.

Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?

Bru.

No, Cassius; for the eye sees not itself,

But by reflection, by some other things.Craig1916: 53

Cas.

’Tis just:

Edition: current; Page: [950]

And it is very much lamented, Brutus,

That you have no such mirrors as will turnCraig1916: 56

Your hidden worthiness into your eye,

That you might see your shadow. I have heard,

Where many of the best respect in Rome,—

Except immortal Cæsar,—speaking of Brutus,

And groaning underneath this age’s yoke,Craig1916: 61

Have wish’d that noble Brutus had his eyes.

Bru.

Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius,

That you would have me seek into myselfCraig1916: 64

For that which is not in me?

Cas.

Therefore, good Brutus, be prepar’d to hear;

And, since you know you cannot see yourself

So well as by reflection, I, your glass,Craig1916: 68

Will modestly discover to yourself

That of yourself which you yet know not of.

And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus:

Were I a common laugher, or did useCraig1916: 72

To stale with ordinary oaths my love

To every new protester; if you know

That I do fawn on men and hug them hard,

And after scandal them; or if you knowCraig1916: 76

That I profess myself in banqueting

To all the rout, then hold me dangerous.

[Flourish and shout.

Bru.

What means this shouting? I do fear the people

Choose Cæsar for their king.

Cas.

Ay, do you fear it?Craig1916: 80

Then must I think you would not have it so.

Bru.

I would not, Cassius; yet I love him well.

But wherefore do you hold me here so long?

What is it that you would impart to me?Craig1916: 84

If it be aught toward the general good,

Set honour in one eye and death i’ the other,

And I will look on both indifferently;

For let the gods so speed me as I loveCraig1916: 88

The name of honour more than I fear death.

Cas.

I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus,

As well as I do know your outward favour.

Well, honour is the subject of my story.Craig1916: 92

I cannot tell what you and other men

Think of this life; but, for my single self,

I had as lief not be as live to be

In awe of such a thing as I myself.Craig1916: 96

I was born free as Cæsar; so were you:

We both have fed as well, and we can both

Endure the winter’s cold as well as he:

For once, upon a raw and gusty day,Craig1916: 100

The troubled Tiber chafing with her shores,

Cæsar said to me, ‘Dar’st thou, Cassius, now

Leap in with me into this angry flood,

And swim to yonder point?’ Upon the word,

Accoutred as I was, I plunged inCraig1916: 105

And bade him follow; so, indeed he did.

The torrent roar’d, and we did buffet it

With lusty sinews, throwing it asideCraig1916: 108

And stemming it with hearts of controversy;

But ere we could arrive the point propos’d,

Cæsar cried, ‘Help me, Cassius, or I sink!’

I, as Æneas, our great ancestor,Craig1916: 112

Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder

The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber

Did I the tired Cæsar. And this man

Is now become a god, and Cassius isCraig1916: 116

A wretched creature and must bend his body

If Cæsar carelessly but nod on him.

He had a fever when he was in Spain,

And when the fit was on him, I did markCraig1916: 120

How he did shake; ’tis true, this god did shake;

His coward lips did from their colour fly,

And that same eye whose bend doth awe the world

Did lose his lustre; I did hear him groan;Craig1916: 124

Ay, and that tongue of his that bade the Romans

Mark him and write his speeches in their books,

Alas! it cried, ‘Give me some drink, Titinius,’

As a sick girl. Ye gods, it doth amaze me,Craig1916: 128

A man of such a feeble temper should

So get the start of the majestic world,

And bear the palm alone.

[Flourish. Shout.

Bru.

Another general shout!

I do believe that these applauses areCraig1916: 132

For some new honours that are heaped on Cæsar.

Cas.

Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world

Like a Colossus; and we petty men

Walk under his huge legs, and peep aboutCraig1916: 136

To find ourselves dishonourable graves.

Men at some time are masters of their fates:

The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,

But in ourselves, that we are underlings.Craig1916: 140

Brutus and Cæsar: what should be in that ‘Cæsar?’

Why should that name be sounded more than yours?

Write them together, yours is as fair a name;

Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well;Craig1916: 144

Weigh them, it is as heavy; conjure with ’em,

‘Brutus’ will start a spirit as soon as ‘Cæsar.’

Now, in the names of all the gods at once,

Upon what meat doth this our Cæsar feed,Craig1916: 148

That he is grown so great? Age, thou art sham’d!

Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods!

When went there by an age, since the great flood,

But it was fam’d with more than with one man?

Edition: current; Page: [951]

When could they say, till now, that talk’d of Rome,Craig1916: 153

That her wide walls encompass’d but one man?

Now is it Rome indeed and room enough,

When there is in it but one only man.Craig1916: 156

O! you and I have heard our fathers say,

There was a Brutus once that would have brook’d

Th’ eternal devil to keep his state in Rome

As easily as a king.Craig1916: 160

Bru.

That you do love me, I am nothing jealous;

What you would work me to, I have some aim:

How I have thought of this and of these times,

I shall recount hereafter; for this present,Craig1916: 164

I would not, so with love I might entreat you,

Be any further mov’d. What you have said

I will consider; what you have to say

I will with patience hear, and find a timeCraig1916: 168

Both meet to hear and answer such high things.

Till then, my noble friend, chew upon this:

Brutus had rather be a villager

Than to repute himself a son of RomeCraig1916: 172

Under these hard conditions as this time

Is like to lay upon us.

Cas.

I am glad

That my weak words have struck but thus much show

Of fire from Brutus.Craig1916: 176

Bru.

The games are done and Cæsar is returning.

Cas.

As they pass by, pluck Casca by the sleeve,

And he will, after his sour fashion, tell you

What hath proceeded worthy note to-day.Craig1916: 180

Re-enterCæsarand his Train.

Bru.

I will do so. But, look you, Cassius,

The angry spot doth glow on Cæsar’s brow,

And all the rest look like a chidden train:

Calphurnia’s cheek is pale, and CiceroCraig1916: 184

Looks with such ferret and such fiery eyes

As we have seen him in the Capitol,

Being cross’d in conference by some senators.

Cas.

Casca will tell us what the matter is.

Cæs.

Antonius!Craig1916: 189

Ant.

Cæsar.

Cæs.

Let me have men about me that are fat;

Sleek-headed men and such as sleep o’ nights.

Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look;Craig1916: 193

He thinks too much: such men are dangerous:

Ant.

Fear him not, Cæsar, he’s not dangerous;

He is a noble Roman, and well given.Craig1916: 196

Cæs.

Would he were fatter! but I fear him not:

Yet if my name were liable to fear,

I do not know the man I should avoid

So soon as that spare Cassius. He reads much;

He is a great observer, and he looksCraig1916: 201

Quite through the deeds of men; he loves no plays,

As thou dost, Antony; he hears no music;

Seldom he smiles, and smiles in such a sortCraig1916: 204

As if he mock’d himself, and scorn’d his spirit

That could be mov’d to smile at any thing.

Such men as he be never at heart’s ease

Whiles they behold a greater than themselves,

And therefore are they very dangerous.Craig1916: 209

I rather tell thee what is to be fear’d

Than what I fear, for always I am Cæsar.

Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf,Craig1916: 212

And tell me truly what thou think’st of him.

[Sennet. ExeuntCæsarand his Train.Cascastays behind.

Casca.

You pull’d me by the cloak; would you speak with me?

Bru.

Ay, Casca; tell us what hath chanc’d to-day,

That Cæsar looks so sad.Craig1916: 216

Casca.

Why, you were with him, were you not?

Bru.

I should not then ask Casca what had chanc’d.

Casca.

Why, there was a crown offered him; and, being offered him, he put it by with the back of his hand, thus; and then the people fell a-shouting.

Bru.

What was the second noise for?

Casca.

Why, for that too.Craig1916: 224

Cas.

They shouted thrice: what was the last cry for?

Casca.

Why, for that too.

Bru.

Was the crown offered him thrice?

Casca.

Ay, marry, was ’t, and he put it by thrice, everytime gentler than other; and at every putting-by mine honest neighbours shouted.

Cas.

Who offered him the crown?

Casca.

Why, Antony.Craig1916: 232

Bru.

Tell us the manner of it, gentle Casca.

Casca.

I can as well be hanged as tell the manner of it: it was mere foolery; I did not mark it. I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown; yet ’twas not a crown neither, ’twas one of these coronets; and, as I told you, he put it by once; but, for all that, to my thinking, he would fain have had it. Then he offered it to him again; then he put it by again; but, to my thinking, he was very loath to lay his fingers off it. And then he offered it the third time; he put it the third time by; and still as he refused it the rabblement shouted and clapped their chopped hands, and threw up their sweaty night-caps, and uttered such a deal of stinking breath because Cæsar refused the crown, that it had almost choked Cæsar; for he swounded and fell down at it: and Edition: current; Page: [952] for mine own part, I durst not laugh, for fear of opening my lips and receiving the bad air.

Cas.

But soft, I pray you: what! did Cæsar swound?Craig1916: 252

Casca.

He fell down in the market-place, and foamed at mouth, and was speechless.

Bru.

’Tis very like: he hath the falling-sickness.

Cas.

No, Cæsar hath it not; but you, and I, And honest Casca, we have the falling-sickness.

Casca.

I know not what you mean by that; but I am sure Cæsar fell down. If the tag-rag people did not clap him and hiss him, according as he pleased and displeased them, as they use to do the players in the theatre, I am no true man.Craig1916: 263

Bru.

What said he, when he came unto himself?

Casca.

Marry, before he fell down, when he perceiv’d the common herd was glad he refused the crown, he plucked me ope his doublet and offered them his throat to cut. An I had been a man of any occupation, if I would not have taken him at a word, I would I might go to hell among the rogues. And so he fell. When he came to himself again, he said, if he had done or said any thing amiss, he desired their worships to think it was his infirmity. Three or four wenches, where I stood, cried, ‘Alas! good soul,’ and forgave him with all their hearts: but there’s no head to be taken of them; if Cæsar had stabbed their mothers, they would have done no less.Craig1916: 279

Bru.

And after that he came, thus sad, away?

Casca.

Ay.

Cas.

Did Cicero say any thing?

Casca.

Ay, he spoke Greek.

Cas.

To what effect?Craig1916: 284

Casca.

Nay, an I tell you that, I’ll ne’er look you i’ the face again; but those that understood him smiled at one another and shook their heads; but, for mine own part, it was Greek to me. I could tell you more news too; Marullus and Flavius, for pulling scarfs off Cæsar’s images, are put to silence. Fare you well. There was more foolery yet, if I could remember it.Craig1916: 292

Cas.

Will you sup with me to-night, Casca?

Casca.

No, I am promised forth.

Cas.

Will you dine with me to-morrow?

Casca.

Ay, if I be alive, and your mind hold, and your dinner worth the eating.Craig1916: 297

Scene III.—: The Same. A Street near the Capitol.

EnterArtemidorus,reading a paper.

Art.

Cæsar, beware of Brutus; take heed of Cassius; come not near Casca; have an eye to Cinna; trust not Trebonius; mark well Metellus Cimber; Decius Brutus loves thee not; thou hast wronged Caius Ligarius. There is but one mind in all these men, and it is bent against Cæsar. If thou be’st not immortal, look about you: security gives way to conspiracy. The mighty gods defend thee! Thy lover,Craig1916: 9

Artemidorus.

Here will I stand till Cæsar pass along,

And as a suitor will I give him this.Craig1916: 12

My heart laments that virtue cannot live

Out of the teeth of emulation.

If thou read this, O Cæsar! thou mayst live;

If not, the Fates with traitors do contrive.

[Exit.

Scene IV.—: The Same. Another Part of the same Street, before the House ofBrutus.

Cæsargoes up to the Senate-House, the rest following. All the Senators rise.

Pop.

I wish your enterprise to-day may thrive.

Cas.

What enterprise, Popilius?

Pop.

Fare you well.

[Advances toCæsar.

Bru.

What said Popilius Lena?

Cas.

He wish’d to-day our enterprise might thrive.Craig1916: 16

I fear our purpose is discovered.

Bru.

Look, how he makes to Cæsar: mark him.

Cas.

Casca, be sudden, for we fear prevention.

Brutus, what shall be done? If this be known,Craig1916: 20

Cassius or Cæsar never shall turn back,

For I will slay myself.

Bru.

Cassius, be constant:

Popilius Lena speaks not of our purposes;

For, look, he smiles, and Cæsar doth not change.Craig1916: 24

Cas.

Trebonius knows his time; for, look you, Brutus,

He draws Mark Antony out of the way.

[ExeuntAntonyandTrebonius. Cæsarand the Senators take their seats.

Dec.

Where is Metellus Cimber? Let him go,

And presently prefer his suit to Cæsar.Craig1916: 28

Bru.

He is address’d; press near and second him.

Cin.

Casca, you are the first that rears your hand.

Casca.

Are we all ready? What is now amiss,

That Cæsar and his senate must redress?Craig1916: 32

Met.

Most high, most mighty, and most puissant Cæsar,

Metellus Cimber throws before thy seat

A humble heart,—

[Kneeling.

Cæs.

I must prevent thee, Cimber.

These couchings and these lowly courtesies,Craig1916: 36

Might fire the blood of ordinary men,

And turn pre-ordinance and first decree

Into the law of children. Be not fond,

To think that Cæsar bears such rebel bloodCraig1916: 40

That will be thaw’d from the true quality

With that which melteth fools; I mean sweet words,

Low-crooked curtsies, and base spaniel fawning.

Thy brother by decree is banished:Craig1916: 44

If thou dost bend and pray and fawn for him,

I spurn thee like a cur out of my way.

Know, Cæsar doth not wrong, nor without cause

Will he be satisfied.Craig1916: 48

Met.

Is there no voice more worthy than my own,

To sound more sweetly in great Cæsar’s ear

For the repealing of my banish’d brother?

Bru.

I kiss thy hand, but not in flattery, Cæsar;Craig1916: 52

Desiring thee, that Publius Cimber may

Have an immediate freedom of repeal.

Cæs.

What, Brutus!

Cas.

Pardon, Cæsar; Cæsar, pardon:

As low as to thy foot doth Cassius fall,Craig1916: 56

To beg enfranchisement for Publius Cimber.

Cæs.

I could be well mov’d if I were as you;

If I could pray to move, prayers would move me;

But I am constant as the northern star,Craig1916: 60

Of whose true-fix’d and resting quality

There is no fellow in the firmament.

The skies are painted with unnumber’d sparks,

They are all fire and every one doth shine,Craig1916: 64

But there’s but one in all doth hold his place:

So, in the world; ’tis furnish’d well with men,

And men are flesh and blood, and apprehensive;

Yet in the number I do know but oneCraig1916: 68

That unassailable holds on his rank,

Unshak’d of motion: and that I am he,

Let me a little show it, even in this,

That I was constant Cimber should be banish’d,

And constant do remain to keep him so.Craig1916: 73

Cin.

O Cæsar,—

Cæs.

Hence! Wilt thou lift up Olympus!

Dec.

Great Cæsar,—

Cæs.

Doth not Brutus bootless kneel?

Casca.

Speak, hands, for me!Craig1916: 76

[They stab Cæsar.

Cæs.

Et tu, Brute? Then fall, Cæsar!

[Dies.

Cin.

Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!

Run hence, proclaim, cry it about the streets.

Cas.

Some to the common pulpits, and cry out,Craig1916: 80

‘Liberty, freedom, and enfranchisement!’

Bru.

People and senators be not affrighted;

Fly not; stand still; ambition’s debt is paid.

Casca.

Go to the pulpit, Brutus.

Dec.

And Cassius too.Craig1916: 84

Bru.

Where’s Publius?

Cin.

Here, quite confounded with this mutiny.

Met.

Stand fast together, lest some friend of Cæsar’s

Should chance—Craig1916: 88

Bru.

Talk not of standing. Publius, good cheer;

There is no harm intended to your person,

Nor to no Roman else; so tell them, Publius.

Edition: current; Page: [962]

Cas.

And leave us, Publius; lest that the people,Craig1916: 92

Rushing on us, should do your age some mischief.

Bru.

Do so; and let no man abide this deed

But we the doers.

Re-enterTrebonius.

Cas.

Where’s Antony?

Tre.

Fled to his house amaz’d.Craig1916: 96

Men, wives and children stare, cry out and run

As it were doomsday.

Bru.

Fates, we will know your pleasures.

That we shall die, we know; ’tis but the time

And drawing days out, that men stand upon.Craig1916: 100

Casca.

Why, he that cuts off twenty years of life

Cuts off so many years of fearing death.

Bru.

Grant that, and then is death a benefit:

So are we Cæsar’s friends, that have abridg’dCraig1916: 104

His time of fearing death. Stoop, Romans, stoop,

And let us bathe our hands in Cæsar’s blood

Up to the elbows, and besmear our swords:

Then walk we forth, even to the market-place;

And waving our red weapons o’er our heads,Craig1916: 109

Let’s all cry, ‘Peace, freedom, and liberty!’

Cas.

Stoop, then, and wash. How many ages hence

Shall this our lofty scene be acted o’er,Craig1916: 112

In states unborn and accents yet unknown!

Bru.

How many times shall Cæsar bleed in sport,

That now on Pompey’s basis lies along

No worthier than the dust!

Cas.

So oft as that shall be,Craig1916: 116

So often shall the knot of us be call’d

The men that gave their country liberty.

Dec.

What! shall we forth?

Cas.

Ay, every man away:

Brutus shall lead; and we will grace his heels

With the most boldest and best hearts of Rome.Craig1916: 121

Enter a Servant.

Bru.

Soft! who comes here? A friend of Antony’s.

Serv.

Thus, Brutus, did my master bid me kneel;

Thus did Mark Antony bid me fall down;Craig1916: 124

And, being prostrate, thus he bade me say:

Brutus is noble, wise, valiant, and honest;

Cæsar was mighty, bold, royal, and loving:

Say I love Brutus, and I honour him;Craig1916: 128

Say I fear’d Cæsar, honour’d him, and lov’d him.

If Brutus will vouchsafe that Antony

May safely come to him, and be resolv’d

How Cæsar hath deserv’d to lie in death,Craig1916: 132

Mark Antony shall not love Cæsar dead

So well as Brutus living; but will follow

The fortunes and affairs of noble Brutus

Thorough the hazards of this untrod stateCraig1916: 136

With all true faith. So says my master Antony.

Bru.

Thy master is a wise and valiant Roman;

I never thought him worse.

Tell him, so please him come unto this place,

He shall be satisfied; and, by my honour,Craig1916: 141

Depart untouch’d.

Serv.

I’ll fetch him presently.

[Exit.

Bru.

I know that we shall have him well to friend.

Cas.

I wish we may: but yet have I a mind

That fears him much; and my misgiving still

Falls shrewdly to the purpose.Craig1916: 146

Re-enterAntony.

Bru.

But here comes Antony. Welcome, Mark Antony.

Ant.

O mighty Cæsar! dost thou lie so low?

Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,

Shrunk to this little measure? Fare thee well.

I know not, gentlemen, what you intend,Craig1916: 151

Who else must be let blood, who else is rank:

If I myself, there is no hour so fit

As Cæsar’s death’s hour, nor no instrument

Of half that worth as those your swords, made rich

With the most noble blood of all this world.Craig1916: 156

I do beseech ye, if ye bear me hard,

Now, whilst your purpled hands do reek and smoke,

Fulfil your pleasure. Live a thousand years,

I shall not find myself so apt to die:Craig1916: 160

No place will please me so, no mean of death,

As here by Cæsar, and by you cut off,

The choice and master spirits of this age.

Bru.

O Antony! beg not your death of us.

Though now we must appear bloody and cruel,Craig1916: 165

As, by our hands and this our present act,

You see we do, yet see you but our hands

And this the bleeding business they have done:

Our hearts you see not; they are pitiful;Craig1916: 169

And pity to the general wrong of Rome—

As fire drives out fire, so pity pity—

Hath done this deed on Cæsar. For your part,

To you our swords have leaden points, Mark Antony;Craig1916: 173

Our arms, in strength of malice, and our hearts

Of brothers’ temper, do receive you in

With all kind love, good thoughts, and reverence.Craig1916: 176

Edition: current; Page: [963]

Cas.

Your voice shall be as strong as any man’s

In the disposing of new dignities.

Bru.

Only be patient till we have appeas’d

The multitude, beside themselves with fear,Craig1916: 180

And then we will deliver you the cause

Why I, that did love Cæsar when I struck him,

Have thus proceeded.

Ant.

I doubt not of your wisdom.

Let each man render me his bloody hand:Craig1916: 184

First, Marcus Brutus, will I shake with you;

Next, Caius Cassius, do I take your hand;

Now, Decius Brutus, yours; now yours, Metellus;

Yours, Cinna; and, my valiant Casca, yours;Craig1916: 188

Though last, not least in love, yours, good Trebonius.

Gentlemen all,—alas! what shall I say?

My credit now stands on such slippery ground,

That one of two bad ways you must conceit me,

Either a coward or a flatterer.Craig1916: 193

That I did love thee, Cæsar, O! ’tis true:

If then thy spirit look upon us now,

Shall it not grieve thee dearer than thy death,

To see thy Antony making his peace,Craig1916: 197

Shaking the bloody fingers of thy foes,

Most noble! in the presence of thy corse?

Had I as many eyes as thou hast wounds,Craig1916: 200

Weeping as fast as they stream forth thy blood,

It would become me better than to close

In terms of friendship with thine enemies.

Pardon me, Julius! Here wast thou bay’d, brave hart;Craig1916: 204

Here didst thou fall; and here thy hunters stand,

Sign’d in thy spoil, and crimson’d in thy leth

O world! thou wast the forest to this hart;

And this, indeed, O world! the heart of thee.Craig1916: 208

How like a deer, strucken by many princes,

Dost thou here lie!

Cas.

Mark Antony,—

Ant.

Pardon me, Caius Cassius:

The enemies of Cæsar shall say this;Craig1916: 212

Then, in a friend, it is cold modesty.

Cas.

I blame you not for praising Cæsar so;

But what compact mean you to have with us?

Will you be prick’d in number of our friends,Craig1916: 216

Or shall we on, and not depend on you?

Ant.

Therefore I took your hands, but was indeed

Sway’d from the point by looking down on Cæsar.

Friends am I with you all, and love you all,Craig1916: 220

Upon this hope, that you shall give me reasons

Why and wherein Cæsar was dangerous.

Bru.

Or else were this a savage spectacle.

Our reasons are so full of good regardCraig1916: 224

That were you, Antony, the son of Cæsar,

You should be satisfied.

Ant.

That’s all I seek:

And am moreover suitor that I may

Produce his body to the market place;Craig1916: 228

And in the pulpit, as becomes a friend,

Speak in the order of his funeral.

Bru.

You shall, Mark Antony.

Cas.

Brutus, a word with you.

[Aside toBrutus.] You know not what you do; do not consentCraig1916: 232

That Antony speak in his funeral:

Know you how much the people may be mov’d

By that which he will utter?

Bru.

By your pardon;

I will myself into the pulpit first,Craig1916: 236

And show the reason of our Cæsar’s death:

What Antony shall speak, I will protest

He speaks by leave and by permission,

And that we are contented Cæsar shallCraig1916: 240

Have all true rites and lawful ceremonies.

It shall advantage more than do us wrong.

Cas.

I know not what may fall; I like it not.

Bru.

Mark Antony, here, take you Cæsar’s body.Craig1916: 244

You shall not in your funeral speech blame us,

But speak all good you can devise of Cæsar,

And say you do ’t by our permission;

Else shall you not have any hand at allCraig1916: 248

About his funeral; and you shall speak

In the same pulpit whereto I am going,

After my speech is ended.

Ant.

Be it so;

I do desire no more.Craig1916: 252

Bru.

Prepare the body then, and follow us.

[Exeunt all butAntony.

Ant.

O! pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth,

That I am meek and gentle with these butchers;

Thou art the ruins of the noblest manCraig1916: 256

That ever lived in the tide of times.

Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood!

Over thy wounds now do I prophesy,

Which like dumb mouths do ope their ruby lips,Craig1916: 260

To beg the voice and utterance of my tongue,

A curse shall light upon the limbs of men;

Domestic fury and fierce civil strife

Shall cumber all the parts of Italy;Craig1916: 264

Blood and destruction shall be so in use,

And dreadful objects so familiar,

That mothers shall but smile when they behold

Their infants quarter’d with the hands of war;

All pity chok’d with custom of fell deeds:Craig1916: 269

And Cæsar’s spirit, ranging for revenge,

With Ate by his side come hot from hell,

Shall in these confines with a monarch’s voice

Edition: current; Page: [964]

Cry ‘Havoc!’ and let slip the dogs of war;Craig1916: 273

That this foul deed shall smell above the earth

With carrion men, groaning for burial.

Enter a Servant.

You serve Octavius Cæsar, do you not?Craig1916: 276

Serv.

I do, Mark Antony.

Ant.

Cæsar did write for him to come to Rome.

Serv.

He did receive his letters, and is coming;

And bid me say to you by word of mouth—Craig1916: 280

[Seeing the body.

O Cæsar!—

Ant.

Thy heart is big, get thee apart and weep.

Passion, I see, is catching; for mine eyes,

Seeing those beads of sorrow stand in thine,Craig1916: 284

Began to water. Is thy master coming?

Serv.

He lies to-night within seven leagues of Rome.

Ant.

Post back with speed, and tell him what hath chanc’d:

Hare is a mourning Rome, a dangerous Rome,

No Rome of safety for Octavius yet;Craig1916: 289

Hie hence and tell him so. Yet, stay awhile;

Thou shalt not back till I have borne this corpse

Into the market-place; there shall I try,Craig1916: 292

In my oration, how the people take

The cruel issue of these bloody men;

According to the which thou shalt discourse

To young Octavius of the state of things.Craig1916: 296

Lead me your hand.

[Exeunt, withCæsar’sbody.

Scene II.—: The Same. The Forum.

EnterBrutusandCassius,and a throng of Citizens.

Citizens.

We will be satisfied: let us be satisfied.

Bru.

Then follow me, and give me audience, friends.

Cassius, go you into the other street,

And part the numbers.Craig1916: 4

Those that will hear me speak, let ’em stay here;

Those that will follow Cassius, go with him;

And public reasons shall be rendered

Of Cæsar’s death.

First Cit.

I will hear Brutus speak.Craig1916: 8

Sec. Cit.

I will hear Cassius; and compare their reasons,

When severally we hear them rendered.

[ExitCassius,with some of the Citizens; Brutusgoes into the pulpit.

Third Cit.

The noble Brutus is ascended: silence!

Bru.

Be patient till the last.Craig1916: 12

Romans, countrymen, and lovers! hear me for my cause; and be silent, that you may hear: believe me for mine honour, and have respect to mine honour, that you may believe: censure me in your wisdom, and awake your senses, that you may the better judge. If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Cæsar’s, to him I say, that Brutus’ love to Cæsar was no less than his. If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Cæsar, this is my answer: Not that I loved Cæsar less, but that I loved Rome more. Had you rather Cæsar were living, and die all slaves, than that Cæsar were dead, to live all free men? As Cæsar loved me, I weep for him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honour him; but, as he was ambitious, I slew him. There is tears for his love; joy for his fortune; honour for his valour; and death for his ambition. Who is here so base that would be a bondman? If any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak; for him have I offended. I pause for a reply.Craig1916: 37

Citizens.

None, Brutus, none.

Bru.

Then none have I offended. I have done no more to Cæsar, than you shall do to Brutus. The question of his death is enrolled in the Capitol; his glory not extenuated, wherein he was worthy, nor his offences enforced, for which he suffered death.Craig1916: 44

EnterAntonyand Others, withCæsar’sbody.

Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony: who, though he had no hand in his death, shall receive the benefit of his dying, a place in the commonwealth; as which of you shall not? With this I depart: that, as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself, when it shall please my country to need my death.Craig1916: 52

Citizens.

Live, Brutus! live! live!

First Cit.

Bring him with triumph home unto his house.

Sec. Cit.

Give him a statue with his ancestors.

Third Cit.

Let him be Cæsar.

Fourth Cit.

Cæsar’s better parts

Shall be crown’d in Brutus.Craig1916: 57

First Cit.

We’ll bring him to his house with shouts and clamours.

Bru.

My countrymen,—

Sec. Cit.

Peace! silence! Brutus speaks.

First Cit.

Peace, ho!Craig1916: 60

Bru.

Good countrymen, let me depart alone,

And, for my sake, stay here with Antony.

Edition: current; Page: [965]

Do grace to Cæsar’s corpse, and grace his speech

Tending to Cæsar’s glories, which Mark Antony,

By our permission, is allow’d to make.Craig1916: 65

I do entreat you, not a man depart,

Save I alone, till Antony have spoke.

[Exit.

First Cit.

Stay, ho! and let us hear Mark Antony.Craig1916: 68

Third Cit.

Let him go up into the public chair;

We’ll hear him. Noble Antony, go up.

Ant.

For Brutus’ sake, I am beholding to you.

[Goes up.

Fourth Cit.

What does he say of Brutus?

Third Cit.

He says, for Brutus’ sake,

He finds himself beholding to us all.Craig1916: 73

Fourth Cit.

’Twere best he speak no harm of Brutus here.

First Cit.

This Cæsar was a tyrant.

Third Cit.

Nay, that’s certain:

We are bless’d that Rome is rid of him.Craig1916: 76

Sec. Cit.

Peace! let us hear what Antony can say.

Ant.

You gentle Romans,—

Citizens.

Peace, ho! let us hear him.

Ant.

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears;

I come to bury Cæsar, not to praise him.Craig1916: 80

The evil that men do lives after them,

The good is oft interred with their bones;

So let it be with Cæsar. The noble Brutus

Hath told you Cæsar was ambitious;Craig1916: 84

If it were so, it was a grievous fault,

And grievously hath Cæsar answer’d it.

Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest,—

For Brutus is an honourable man;Craig1916: 88

So are they all, all honourable men,—

Come I to speak in Cæsar’s funeral.

He was my friend, faithful and just to me:

But Brutus says he was ambitious;Craig1916: 92

And Brutus is an honourable man.

He hath brought many captives home to Rome,

Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill:

Did this in Cæsar seem ambitious?Craig1916: 96

When that the poor have cried, Cæsar hath wept;

Ambition should be made of sterner stuff:

Yet Brutus says he was ambitious;

And Brutus is an honourable man.Craig1916: 100

You all did see that on the Lupercal

I thrice presented him a kingly crown,

Which he did thrice refuse: was this ambition?

Yet Brutus says he was ambitious;Craig1916: 104

And, sure, he is an honourable man.

I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke,

But here I am to speak what I do know,

You all did love him once, not without cause:

What cause withholds you then to mourn for him?Craig1916: 109

O judgment! thou art fled to brutish beasts,

And men have lost their reason. Bear with me;

My heart is in the coffin there with Cæsar,Craig1916: 112

And I must pause till it come back to me.

First Cit.

Methinks there is much reason in his sayings.

Sec. Cit.

If thou consider rightly of the matter,

Cæsar has had great wrong.

Third Cit.

Has he, masters?Craig1916: 116

I fear there will a worse come in his place.

Fourth Cit.

Mark’d ye his words? He would not take the crown;

Therefore ’tis certain he was not ambitious.

First Cit.

If it be found so, some will dear abide it.Craig1916: 120

Sec. Cit.

Poor soul! his eyes are red as fire with weeping.

Third Cit.

There’s not a nobler man in Rome than Antony.

Fourth Cit.

Now mark him; he begins again to speak.

Ant.

But yesterday the word of Cæsar might

Have stood against the world; now lies he there,

And none so poor to do him reverence.

O masters! if I were dispos’d to stir

Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage,Craig1916: 128

I should do Brutus wrong, and Cassius wrong,

Who, you all know, are honourable men.

I will not do them wrong; I rather choose

To wrong the dead, to wrong myself, and you,

Than I will wrong such honourable menCraig1916: 133

But here’s a parchment with the seal of Cæsar;

I found it in his closet, ’tis his will.

Let but the commons hear this testament—Craig1916: 136

Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read—

And they would go and kiss dead Cæsar’s wounds,

And dip their napkins in his sacred blood,

Yea, beg a hair of him for memory,Craig1916: 140

And, dying, mention it within their wills,

Bequeathing it as a rich legacy

Unto their issue.

Fourth Cit.

We’ll hear the will: read it, Mark Antony.Craig1916: 144

Citizens.

The will, the will! we will hear Cæsar’s will.

Ant.

Have patience, gentle friends; I must not read it:

It is not meet you know how Cæsar lov’d you.

You are not wood, you are not stones, but men;

And, being men, hearing the will of Cæsar,Craig1916: 149

It will inflame you, it will make you mad.

’Tis good you know not that you are his heirs;

For if you should, O! what would come of it.

Edition: current; Page: [966]

Fourth Cit.

Read the will! we’ll hear it, Antony;Craig1916: 153

You shall read us the will, Cæsar’s will.

Ant.

Will you be patient? Will you stay awhile?

I have o’ershot myself to tell you of it.Craig1916: 156

I fear I wrong the honourable men

Whose daggers have stabb’d Cæsar; I do fear it.

Fourth Cit.

They were traitors: honourable men!

Citizens.

The will! the testament!Craig1916: 160

Sec. Cit.

They were villains, murderers. The will! read the will.

Ant.

You will compel me then to read the will?

Then make a ring about the corpse of Cæsar,

And let me show you him that made the will.Craig1916: 164

Shall I descend? and will you give me leave?

Citizens.

Come down.

Sec. Cit.

Descend.

[Antonycomes down.

Third Cit.

You shall have leave.Craig1916: 168

Fourth Cit.

A ring; stand round.

First Cit.

Stand from the hearse; stand from the body.

Sec. Cit.

Room for Antony; most noble Antony.

Ant.

Nay, press not so upon me; stand far off.Craig1916: 172

Citizens.

Stand back! room! bear back!

Ant.

If you have tears, prepare to shed them now.

You all do know this mantle: I remember

The first time ever Cæsar put it on;Craig1916: 176

’Twas on a summer’s evening, in his tent,

That day he overcame the Nervii.

Look! in this place ran Cassius’ dagger through:

See what a rent the envious Casca made:Craig1916: 180

Through this the well-beloved Brutus stabb’d;

And, as he pluck’d his cursed steel away,

Mark how the blood of Cæsar follow’d it,

As rushing out of doors, to be resolv’dCraig1916: 184

If Brutus so unkindly knock’d or no;

For Brutus, as you know, was Cæsar’s angel:

Judge, O you gods! how dearly Cæsar lov’d him.

This was the most unkindest cut of all;Craig1916: 188

For when the noble Cæsar saw him stab,

Ingratitude, more strong than traitors’ arms,

Quite vanquish’d him: then burst his mighty heart;

And, in his mantle muffling up his face,Craig1916: 192

Even at the base of Pompey’s status,

Which all the while ran blood, great Cæsar fell.

O! what a fall was there, my countrymen;

Then I, and you, and all of us fell down,Craig1916: 196

Whilst bloody treason flourish’d over us.

O! now you weep, and I perceive you feel

The dint of pity; these are gracious drops.

Kind souls, what! weep you when you but beholdCraig1916: 200

Our Cæsar’s vesture wounded? Look you here,

Here is himself, marr’d, as you see, with traitors.

First Cit.

O piteous spectacle!

Sec. Cit.

O noble Cæsar!Craig1916: 204

Third Cit.

O woeful day!

Fourth Cit.

O traitors! villains!

First Cit.

O most bloody sight!

Sec. Cit.

We will be revenged.Craig1916: 208

Citizens.

Revenge!—About!—Seek!—Burn!

Fire!—Kill!—Slay! Let not a traitor live.

Ant.

Stay, countrymen!

First Citizen.

Peace there! Hear the noble Antony.Craig1916: 212

Sec. Cit.

We’ll hear him, we’ll follow him, we’ll die with him.

Ant.

Good friends, sweet friends, let me not stir you up

To such a sudden flood of mutiny.

They that have done this deed are honourable:

What private griefs they have, alas! I know not,Craig1916: 217

That made them do it; they are wise and honourable,

And will, no doubt, with reasons answer you.

I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts:

I am no orator, as Brutus is;Craig1916: 221

But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man,

That love my friend; and that they know full well

That gave me public leave to speak of him.Craig1916: 224

For I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth,

Action, nor utterance, nor the power of speech,

To stir men’s blood: I only speak right on;

I tell you that which you yourselves do know,

Show you sweet Cæsar’s wounds, poor poor dumb mouths,Craig1916: 229

And bid them speak for me: but were I Brutus,

And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony

Would ruffle up your spirits, and put a tongue

In every wound of Cæsar, that should moveCraig1916: 233

The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny.

Citizens.

We’ll mutiny.

First Cit.

We’ll burn the house of Brutus.

Third Cit.

Away, then! come, seek the conspirators.Craig1916: 237

Ant.

Yet hear me, countrymen; yet hear me speak.

Citizens.

Peace, ho!—Hear Antony,—most noble Antony.

Ant.

Why, friends, you go to do you know not what.Craig1916: 240

Wherein hath Cæsar thus deserv’d your loves?

Alas! you know not: I must tell you then.

Edition: current; Page: [967]

You have forgot the will I told you of.

Citizens.

Most true. The will! let’s stay and hear the will.Craig1916: 244

Ant.

Here is the will, and under Cæsar’s seal.

To every Roman citizen he gives,

To every several man, seventy-five drachmas.

Sec. Cit.

Most noble Cæsar! we’ll revenge his death.Craig1916: 248

Third Cit.

O royal Cæsar!

Ant.

Hear me with patience.

Citizens.

Peace, ho!

Ant.

Moreover, he hath left you all his walks,

His private arbours, and new-planted orchards,

On this side Tiber; he hath left them you,

And to your heirs for ever; common pleasures,

To walk abroad, and recreate yourselves.Craig1916: 256

Here was a Cæsar! when comes such another?

First Cit.

Never, never! Come, away, away!

We’ll burn his body in the holy place,

And with the brands fire the traitors’ houses.

Take up the body.Craig1916: 261

Sec. Cit.

Go fetch fire.

Third Cit.

Pluck down benches.

Fourth Cit.

Pluck down forms, windows, any thing.

[Exeunt Citizens, with the body.

Ant.

Now let it work: mischief, thou art afoot,Craig1916: 265

Take thou what course thou wilt!

Enter a Servant.

How now, fellow!

Serv.

Sir, Octavius is already come to Rome.

Ant.

Where is he?Craig1916: 268

Serv.

He and Lepidus are at Cæsar’s house.

Ant.

And thither will I straight to visit him.

He comes upon a wish. Fortune is merry,

And in this mood will give us any thing.Craig1916: 272

Serv.

I heard him say Brutus and Cassius

Are rid like madmen through the gates of Rome.

Ant.

Belike they had some notice of the people,Craig1916: 275

How I had mov’d them. Bring me to Octavius.

[Exeunt.

Scene III.—: The Same. A Street.

EnterCinna,the Poet.

Cin.

I dreamt to-night that I did feast with Cæsar,

And things unlucky charge my fantasy:

I have no will to wander forth of doors,

Yet something leads me forth.Craig1916: 4

Enter Citizens.

First Cit.

What is your name?

Sec. Cit.

Whither are you going?

Third Cit.

Where do you dwell?

Fourth Cit.

Are you a married man, or a bachelor?Craig1916: 9

Sec. Cit.

Answer every man directly.

First Cit.

Ay, and briefly.

Fourth Cit.

Ay, and wisely.Craig1916: 12

Third Cit.

Ay, and truly, you were best.

Cin.

What is my name? Whither am I going? Where do I dwell? Am I a married man, or a bachelor? Then, to answer every man directly and briefly, wisely and truly: wisely I say, I am a bachelor.Craig1916: 18

Sec. Cit.

That’s as much as to say, they are fools that marry; you’ll bear me a bang for that, I fear. Proceed; directly.Craig1916: 21

Cin.

Directly, I am going to Cæsar’s funeral.

First Cit.

As a friend or an enemy?

Cin.

As a friend.Craig1916: 24

Sec. Cit.

That matter is answered directly.

Fourth Cit.

For your dwelling, briefly.

Cin.

Briefly, I dwell by the Capitol.

Third Cit.

Your name, sir, truly.Craig1916: 28

Cin.

Truly, my name is Cinna.

Sec. Cit.

Tear him to pieces; he’s a conspirator.

Cin.

I am Cinna the poet, I am Cinna the poet.Craig1916: 33

Fourth Cit.

Tear him for his bad verses, tear him for his bad verses.

Cin.

I am not Cinna the conspirator.

Sec. Cit.

It is no matter, his name’s Cinna; pluck but his name out of his heart, and turn him going.Craig1916: 39

Third Cit.

Tear him, tear him! Come, brands, ho! firebrands! To Brutus’, to Cassius’; burn all. Some to Decius’ house, and some to Casca’s; some to Ligarius’. Away! go!Craig1916: 43